How to mix different woods together in an interior

I often get asked about the rules of mixing different wood finishes together in a home. And what I really want to say? There are no rules, different woods go together precisely because they are made of the same material. And honestly in a minimal space, the more texture the better. That is what will add richness and character to a room. But it would be a very short Substack article if I just stopped there – ‘That’s it, see ya! Go out into the world and mix your woods’ – so let’s dive into it in a bit more detail.

First let’s talk about why you might want to use wood in the first place. The addition of wood in a space gives warmth, tactility and depth, especially when paired with a neutral backdrop. It feels timeless and solid, and I think we recognise something familiar in its irregular grain and grounding surface. You can’t help but run your hand along the armrest of a wooden chair or appreciate the timeworn grooves on a wooden table.

Texture is ultimately what prevents a space from feeling flat or dull. If everything is perfect or pristine, all at the same material level, then a home can easily appear soulless and not very stimulating. I’m all about designing for the senses and focusing on how a space feels to be in, not just how it looks. Natural texture and complex, varied materials feel more intriguing to the eye and more delightful to touch.

I’m not just making all this up because I like wooden furniture. Studies have shown that the use of natural materials can help reduce stress levels and aid feelings of relaxation. One study found that if a room was made up of nearly 50% wood it led to significant decreases in blood pressure as well as a greater perception of comfort. A room made almost entirely of wood (covering 90% of its surface) even helped reduce brain activity. The presence of the material signals to our brain that we can relax and feel safe. Another study asked participants to touch panels of different materials, including steel, tile, marble and oak. They found that touching oak could induce rest and help calm the nervous system. It therefore makes sense that a wood flooring feels grounding under foot, or that a wooden cabin might make us feel like we can switch off and get away from it all.

But how do you actually go about mixing different woods and it not feel like they are all clashing for attention? Let’s break it down.